Chapter 20

Ramesses stood in the middle of the room. It was the first time he had been alone that morning. The silence unnerved him and allowed the thoughts for he had been keeping at bay to enter his mind. His father's death seemed too sudden too soon, but, and there was a twinge of guilt at the thought, not entirely unwanted. Ramesses had always felt his father was too lenient in allowing the countries around them to slowly encroach on Egypt's lands. Ramesses would not be so easily swayed by the apologies of his enemies. He would make sure no one dared to attack his lands.

The door was opened, and the priest made their way in. They carried jars of oils and incense. Ramesses stood motionless as the priest undresses him and began the ritual. As they prayed to the gods, oil was poured over his body and incense burned to cleanse the body of any mortal impurities. The smell was overpowering and muddled his mind. His thoughts drifted back to his father and his frail body lying in that bed and to his mother sitting by holding his father's hand as he took his last breath.

"Mother," Ramesses had said, "the priest needs to take the body."

His mother did not move, "can I not have more than a moment to sit with my husband."

Ramesses had never seen his mother like this. She had always been an unmoveable, emotionless fixture in his life, aways there to provided guidance, if he wanted it or not. Now she seemed almost week.

"It has been an hour Mother," Ramesses said gently putting a hand on his mother's trembling shoulder.

He stood with his mother and siblings as his father's body was covered with a sheet and taken to begin the burial process. As people began to slowly file out the room, his mother gab his arm. She waited until they were alone in the room.

"Your father has passed on to his next life and may his soul rest peacefully. But you," she looked right into his eyes with a fierce determination, "will find no peace until you have secured the line of succession."

"Father gave his blessing to my marriage to Nat..." Ramesses began.

"Its Nefertari," his mother corrected.

Ramesses rolled his eyes.

"Do you give me attitude. One child is not enough. You have two wives, and Pharaoh must not neglect his state or martial duties." She put more emphasis on the last two words.

Ramesses didn't say anything.

"I understand what it is like to lose a child. I have also had to face such a tragedy. And I understand your... attachment to Nefertari, but you are not to neglect Isetnofret anymore. You must divide your time equally between your wives."

"Yes, mother," he said with a sigh.

The priest now began to dress Ramesses in the ornate clothing for the ceremony.  Gold jewelry covered every inch of his arms. The last touch to the process was the white and red crown. They were once separate crowns worn by two kings of Egypt. The white representing Upper and red representing Lower Egypt. They now stood as one under one leader. The priest left Ramesses again, and he in silence looking the in the mirror at myself.

"I still think your sister would make a fine Pharaoh," a voice said behind Ramesses.

"And you could be her Cheif Wife," Ramesses called back at Adom who walked to stand next to me.

"Look at you. Pharaoh of Egypt. How does it feel?"

"Oily," Ramesses said looking at my shining arms.

For once Adom didn't laugh. "Childhood ends today. Funny how quickly it went by even though we thought it would never," Adom said.

"No more games of hind and seek in the temple or stupid contest to see who could get costest to and crocodile," Ramesses said.

"Don't worry, you can now spend your days time yelling at your son. Who will likely even more proficient in getting into mischief considering his parents' skill for the trade."

"How do you know about the child?" Ramesses turned to Adom suddenly. He hadn't told anyone about Natalie outside of his mother.

Adom looked panic for a second, then smiled, "River girl and I have a very close relationship I will have you know. We are practically sisters if you ask me. We share out most internment secrets with one another."

"Oh really?" Ramesses said. "Is that 'all' you share?"

"Don't get clever with me your Majesty. I can still out talk you even with all that oil and gold. Now come on. We wouldn't want to keep your subjects waiting."

Ramesses just shook his head but took his leave with Adom following behind him, just as they had always done since they were kids. One in front of the other.

The sun beat down on Ramesses as he scanned the crowd. A roar went up from those who gathered. A priest stood next to him on the steps of the temple of Ra.

The priest raised his hands and the crowned went quite. "Egypt has continued to prosper and remain strong throughout the centuries thanks to the power of the gods who live in our leaders. And today we annotate another, a decent of our God Ra, who will continue to guide and protect our people."

Another cheer went up.

"All hail Ramesses II", yelled the priest.

And at that moment, something in the back of Ramesses' mind whispered, What if you are not made for this? What if you too prove to be the week? Ramesses shook his head. Anger replaced his dought. Not only would he be good, but he would also be great. He would surpass all others who had or would come after him. A drop of sweat dripped down his face and landed on he stood of the temple.

I had thought the festive of Wagy was the most extravagant, riches party I had ever seen, but the week-long celebration that followed Ramesses's correlation far surpassed those standards. Queen Tuya had instructed me to not go anywhere without someone with me and to stay within the palace walls. After what Rania had one to me and Ramesses' child, the Queen was taking no chances. I didn't blame her, but it was still hard to keep away. So for the first three nights of the party, I watched with Chione from the Balcones of the palace. It wasn't all bad. I enjoyed being a sort of fly on the wall and seeing into the secret lives of people when they thought no one was watching. But by the third night, I was getting restless.

"What if you came with me Chione?" I said.

She looked uneasy, "The Queen gave specific orders not to leave this part of the palace."

"I know," I said leaning on the end of the balcony. "But I have been so good. I sold my family story, and got myself married." I knew I was acting childish, but I'd had to grow up so quickly over the past few weeks I wasn't ready to let go. I put my hand on my stomach and tried to picture me with a baby.

"You're not married yet," Chione corrected.

I sighed and put my best 'for longing look'. "Come on, I promised I would take you to a party, didn't I?"

"I suppose if it was just for a minute," Chione said.

I grinned.

The air was filled with music and laughter as Chione and I snuck down to the outskirts of the party. I didn't want to get to close, just close enough to feel part of it. Chione and I carefully wandered around the edge of crowds enjoying the sights. My world felt almost perfect for a moment. And of course, the universe then felt the need to remind me it was not.

Suddenly, I realized Chione had disappeared. I looked around frantically.

"Lost something, my dear?"

I saw Rania standing a few feet in front of me.